How to Sing Like an American Idol Winner
The reality competition show "American Idol" has produced some of America’s top recording artists and talents. Winning singers have exhibited a combination of traits. It takes more than talent to win. If you want to compete on "American Idol," or just sing like the reality show’s winners, keep reading.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Learn to be versatile. Contestants on "American Idol" are asked to sing music from almost every genre. You must be equally adept at Broadway, pop, R&B, oldies, and rock, so practice them all.
-
2
Practice songs by popular artists of today and yesterday, but put your own signature style on each song. The top contestants have learned to make the songs “their own,” as judge Paula Abdul has said on many shows. David Cook, the 2008 winner, has a special knack for taking songs of any style or genre and performing them in a way that features his flair for rock.
-
-
3
Show your personality as you sing. You will be forgiven if your voice cracks, you slip or your costume rips, but the judges will never forgive you if you are boring and lack personality. The show's producers are looking for the next recording star who will capture an audience’s attention. Let your inner performer shine!
-
4
"American Idol" winners have never been quiet or weak singers. They have all had powerful voices. Support your voice with your diaphragm. Take breaths expanding your rib cage, enabling you to hold notes longer, and sing with power!
-
5
Since "American Idol" is a competition, contestants have to impress with every song. Hold out big notes, or money notes, as judge Randy Jackson has called them. Hit high notes like nobody else can, or riff around a melody, ala Fantasia Barino, season 3 winner. Do whatever it is you do best, putting your heart into it, and you will be singing like an "American Idol" winner.
-
6
Choose songs you can relate to. Many times judges say the singer didn’t understand what the song was about. Concentrate on the essence of every song and focus on delivering the lyrics and message. Doing so will help you stay in the moment as well and help with nerves.
-
7
Hit the stage and have fun. An entertaining performance is even more entertaining when the audience feels like the performer is having fun and bringing them along for the ride.
-
1
